ScIC "Science is Cool" Unplugged

Enhancing teaching with hands-on learning, data collection, and technology.   The conversation between Dave and Matt covers various topics, including background noise, weather, simulations, teaching, data literacy, and the use of AI in the classroom. Matt discusses the benefits of simulations in teaching, the importance of hands-on activities, and the role of data in education. They also touch on...

Education challenges, technology, storytelling, pop culture, personalized teaching.   In this conversation, Dave and Matt discuss various topics related to education, including the challenges faced by teachers, the impact of technology in the classroom, and the need for change in the education system. They also touch on the nostalgia for a simpler time and the potential for a shift back to certain...

Two instructional coaches share innovative teaching methods.   Elizabeth and Kelly, science instructional coaches in a large school district in Texas, discuss their approach to science education. They emphasize the importance of phenomena-based learning and the integration of science and engineering practices. They explain how their district has been implementing the new science standards and curr...

Teaching & AI: Policies, Ethics, and Practical Classroom Tips In this conversation, Dave and Shirin discuss various topics including Shirin's background, the use of AI in the classroom, and the importance of developing a policy for AI usage. They touch on the challenges of implementing AI in education, the benefits it can bring, and the ethical considerations that need to be addressed. They also t...

Fostering curiosity and inquiry with real-world examples. Sara Plowman is a veteran teacher in Santa Monday and discusses with us various topics, including stinging nettles, biomimicry, authentic science, and project-based learning. They also discuss biomimicry design applications and other natural phenomena. The conversation then shifts to the importance of authentic science and project-based lea...

Classroom data literacy and adaptability in education today. Jolie Pelds, Director of Innovative STEM Teaching for the Science Center of Iowa chats about various topics including life opportunities, the Science Center of Iowa, Silicon Valley, ecosystems, and the importance of technology and data literacy in education. The conversation explores the importance of teaching computer science in a conte...

Challenge your students to create eco-inspired designs. Amanda Sturgeon, CEO of the Biomimicry Institute, an architect and advocate for biomimicry and biophilic design, discusses the importance of design that enhance the connection between people and nature. Biophilic design and Biomimicry involves bringing elements of nature into buildings, engineering, mechanics and more, such as natural pattern...

Exploring continuous learning and careers in education.   In this conversation, Dave and Christine discuss various topics, including their past interactions, the importance of travel and learning, careers in technology, and the challenges of communicating complex ideas. They also touch on the significance of problem-solving skills and the need for continuous learning in today's rapidly changing wo...

How student's personal experiences shape learning and scientific exploration.   Join PBS and YouTube creator Dr. Joe Hanson to learn about the importance of storytelling and curiosity in education. Joe and Dave discuss the value of being the narrator of your own story and the dangers of algorithms and passive content consumption. They touch on the unreliability of memory and the power of personal...

Teaching students how to interpret headlines and media sensationalism.   Join PBS correspondent Mile's Obrien as he discusses this current event with host Dave Bakker and special guest, Clifton Roozeboom. The conversation revolves around the topic of airline safety, specifically focusing on the recent issues with Boeing's 737 Max 9. The hosts discuss the sensationalism in the news media and the im...

Enhancing STEM education and preparing students for technical careers. Mike Vargas discusses his involvement in the Arizona STEM Acceleration Project, a $10 million grant aimed at improving STEM education in the state. He highlights the need to start STEM education early and the importance of project-based learning. Vargas emphasizes the need for authentic science experiences and the role of mento...

Innovative science teaching through simulated space exploration. In this conversation, Lauren shares her experience of flying in zero gravity and conducting experiments. The chapters cover various aspects of the flight, including the parabolic flight pattern, the duration of zero gravity, and the unpredictability of movement in zero gravity. Lauren also discusses the experiments conducted, such as...

AI: the benefits, ethics, and future of critical thinking skills. Tammie Schrader, Science Coordinator in Washington State, discusses the impact of AI in education. She and Dave explore the challenges and benefits of implementing AI tools in the classroom, as well as the need for ethical guidelines and critical thinking skills. They also touch on the evolving nature of technology and the importanc...

Georgia Curriculum Director uses technology to enhance learning.  Dr. Scott Sweeting talks with us about integrating AI in science and computer science education, highlighting how it can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills vital for today's students. Key topics include using AI for more efficient assessment writing, fostering creativity through AI tools, and adapting teaching meth...

USASEF Director discusses learning motivation and discovery in STEM education. Amy Oliverio, Director of the USA Science and Engineering Festival discusses various topics related to learning, motivation, and the joy of discovery. They delve into the idea of challenging oneself and the satisfaction derived from overcoming obstacles, drawing parallels between learning experiences and the rush of end...

Empowering student innovation with the US Department of Education. In this conversation, Kari Byron (Mythbusters, EXPLR Media, Crash Test World) is joined by National STEM Champion Sritej Sai Padmanabhan. Kari, Sritej and Dave discuss his STEM Festival project Neuralize, which aims to quantitatively measure disease markers associated with Parkinson's disease. Inspired by his grandfather's diagnosi...

Hawaii teacher discusses teaching strategy with project-based learning. Mia-Pia Cummins shares her journey as a middle school science teacher, tackling curriculum challenges and emphasizing hands-on learning and adaptability in education. She discusses the beauty and challenge of teaching in such a rural area like she is in Hawaii. Mia-Pia discusses the challenges she faces as a middle school scie...

In this bonus episode, we have an extension of our conversation with professor, speaker, and author, John Spencer.  We dig into his love of project-based learning and how he stays inspired in his classroom. https://spencerauthor.com/   https://www.youtube.com/@spencereducation   https://twitter.com/spencerideas   https://www.facebook.com/spencereducation/   https://www.instagram.com/spencereducati...

In this week's episode, Dave joins Dr. John Spencer to take a dive deep into the evolution of technology, education, and innovation. Their conversation delves into the importance of project-based learning in education, emphasizing the value of empowering students to explore, experiment, and learn through hands-on experiences. They discuss the significance of embracing failure as an inherent part o...

In this podcast episode, Dave engages in a conversation with Christa Dillabaugh, Director of the Morpho Institute, discussing their conservation efforts and educational programs in the Amazon rainforest. Krista shares insights into the institute's initiatives, highlighting the delicate balance between progress and conservation in the region. They delve into the challenges of managing biodiversity...

This is a bonus episode of the Science is Cool Unplugged podcast where we get to hear more of our conversation we had with Chuck Nice. They discuss fostering a love for learning and why that is more important than the love of grades and achievement. They also dig into how to create meaningful classroom interactions and more! https://www.chucknicecomic.com/   ABOUT CHUCK A self-confessed science ge...

This is a bonus episode of the Science is Cool Unplugged podcast where we get to hear the extension of our conversation we had with Patti Lawrimore.  They discuss how she utilizes Chat GPT in her classroom and the ways she uses it as a tool and not a crutch.  They also delve into the importance of science literacy and its interdisciplinary importance.   ABOUT PATTI Patti has been teaching science...

In this week's episode comedian and science television host, Chuck Nice, joins Dave to delve into the fascinating realms of science, education, and the pursuit of knowledge. Chuck shares insights into the importance of generating excitement in learning, emphasizing that the key lies in understanding rather than merely acing tests. Drawing parallels between his experiences and those of renowned sci...

In this episode, Science Educator Patti Lawrimore joins Dave to share her passion for science education and the joy she gets from seeing students enthusiastic about what they are learning and discovering. She shares the ways she changes classroom structure in response to the students and their learning styles and requests and the ways it helps them connect to the material. They discuss ways to ass...

In this episode, science educator and founder of Kesler Science, Chris Kesler, joins Dave to discuss how to create student-focused learning that teaches them not just science concepts but how to learn and grow on their own by creating meaningful classroom experiences.  They emphasize the importance of knowing your classroom and being attentive to student needs while keeping the focus on fostering...